Artist Biographies

Sydney Burleigh

1853-1931

Burleigh spent his boyhood years in Little Compton. He married Sarah Drew
Wilkinson in 1875 . With her encouragement, he became a full-time artist
at age 25. Sarah's wealth enabled Burleigh to study painting in Paris with
Paul Laurens in the first years of their marriage. Upon his return to Providence
in the 1880's, Burleigh became an active member of the Providence Art Club.
In addition to being a well-loved Providence artist, he was one of the most
prominent civic leaders in the city. Burleigh's watercolors can be described
as reminiscent of George Inness. Burleigh was known for perfection of line,
exquisite balance, delicate and sensitive use of color and the overall poetic
feeling of his painting. Burleigh earned national recognition when he won
the Bronze medal at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904, and the open prize
from the Buffalo Society of Artists in 1913. By 1929 he was considered one
of the country's leading watercolorists. Many prestigious art institutions
chose to exhibit his works, solidifying his distinguished reputation.